Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has accused foreign mining companies of stealing the country's wealth, after an announcement that the government will take control of all diamond mines.
Mr Mugabe accused the companies of "swindling" and "smuggling" in an interview with state-run ZBC TV.
The 92-year-old leader denied that the move would affect relations with China, a major investor in the sector.
Zimbabwe was the world's eighth largest diamond exporter in 2014.
"We have not received much from the diamond industry at all," Mr Mugabe said, complaining that Zimbabwe had received $2bn (£1.4bn) from an estimated $15bn (£11bn) of revenues.
Mr Mugabe was also critical of Zimbabweans' role in the alleged theft, saying that those "expected to be our eyes and ears have not been able to see or hear what was going on".
Foreign mining companies can only operate in Zimbabwe as part of a joint-venture with local partners.
Last month companies operating in the Marange diamond fields were ordered to stop working after their licences expired.
Reports of abuse, including killings by the army, led to an international ban on diamond exports from Marange between 2009 and 2011.
Zimbabwe's economy has struggled since a government programme seized most white-owned farms in 2000, causing exports to tumble.
Latest Stories
-
How Ghana’s Prince Anthony is transforming diaspora tourism in Africa
6 minutes -
Reflo’s, The Florence Mensah Foundation distribute sanitary pads to girls in Ashaiman, Nima and Ochiso
10 minutes -
Accra hosts IPRA Conference & Awards for the first time
14 minutes -
Asantehene was instrumental in me becoming Prof Mills’ running mate – Mahama reveals
15 minutes -
Otumfuo warns of unrest if Ghana’s mining gains stay overseas, urges gold markets to invest in local industry
20 minutes -
UMaT associate professor alleges breaches of University statutes, petitions GTEC to act
26 minutes -
Harnessing Pan-African Potential: The Role of the Pan African AI Summit in Shaping Africa’s Digital Future
27 minutes -
Mahama reaffirms commitment to strengthening chieftaincy institutions
29 minutes -
CFAO partners with Lovol to power Ghana’s heavy equipment market
55 minutes -
‘I don’t know what you call rich’ – Bryan Acheampong on support for Wontumi’s GH¢50m bail
1 hour -
Dr. Who? Ghana’s Epidemic of Degrees without Diagnosis: Satirical Musings on Ghana’s Curious Obsession with Titles
1 hour -
Glaucoma Laser treatment launched at St. Thomas Eye Hospital
1 hour -
Hindsight: What does the law say about Nations FC’s walk-off?
1 hour -
Mahama outlines the bold vision behind establishment of the GoldBod
1 hour -
Highway robbers make off with over 1.7 million CFA, jewellery, and phones at Gomoa Potsin
1 hour